The hospice chose Ed Sheeran’s ‘Supermarket Flowers’ in memory of loved ones no longer with us. A video has been produced which features local community and sporting heroes, including Down, Armagh and Newry City stars, as well as John Toal (BBC), Leah O’Rourke (Derry Girls), Ryan Cullen, Mairead McKinley and cast of The Almedia Theatre London’s latest production, Eithne Bell (KBRT), Kaydens Journey, Anna McAllister and family and Valerie Harte (chairperson, NMDDC).
The video, filmed in Kilbroney, was shot and edited by Kathy McCaughey from the Choir Studio. She said: “Thanks to our amazing choir singers, musicians Gareth and Mark Hughes, and song producer Mark Hughes Studio 32 for sharing your talent and time.
“The Southern Area Hospice is close to our hearts. Each of us have had our own story and journey with family members having been cared for and looked after by the wonderful hospice staff. They truly are Earth’s angels.”
Kathy took the song and vocally arranged it for ‘The Uplifted Choir.’
She added: “Our 50-strong female choir have supported the hospice for many years, performing each year at their memory walk. The soloists are Caoimhe Mackle, aged 15, and Emily Jane Flanagan, who was a finalist on The Voice Kids. The choir has graced the stage of Britain’s Got Talent and won The City Of Derry International Choir Competition last year.
“We first recorded a song professionally for the hospice during the Covid lockdown; vocals were recorded remotely at home and sent to the studio for editing and mixing. It proved very popular and raised a lot of money - we decided to make it an annual occurrence in preparation for the hospice walk. We are passionate about helping others! To date, our collective music projects have raised £55,000 for local charities.”
Choir member, Clare Eaton, said: “Many people are trying and struggling to navigate their grief, trying to learn how to rebuild and live life with pieces of their puzzles missing. These people seek comfort in the smallest of things, photographs, nature, song and many other ways, to keep them connected to the person who has passed away. We hope that through our contribution of music we can provide even the smallest solace in the most difficult times.”
Hospice fundraising manager, Siobhan McArdle, said: “Kathy and the Choir Studio are such a wonderful and talented group of people, we look forward every year to hear the song they have recorded for our Midnight Memory Walk and this year they have really outdone themselves. This walk is very special to all of us at hospice and also to those who participate and walk in memory of a loved one. The Choir Studio’s music on the evening is just amazing, they create such a wonderful atmosphere, and we could never thank them enough for all that they do to support our work.”
The song is available to download on streaming services iTunes, Spotify and Amazon Music. Donations can be made on the choir's JustGiving page and the video can be viewed on its Facebook page.